It’s that time of year again. Many of us are bombarded by media (and friends’) suggestions to help us get healthier, richer and happier.
The time has come to either start using, or purchase a gym membership. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to promise to say, “No” to that glass of wine each and every week day.
I make my New Year’s resolutions more motivating when I promise to reward myself when I stick to my resolutions (in a healthy way that doesn’t involve great expense, of course).
As a business owner, I find the same incentive plan applies.
That is because keeping business resolutions can quickly translate into every business owner’s or practicing professional’s biggest reward: reaching his or her business goals – with less stress along the way.
Here are 10 tips I will abide by in 2015.
- Take stock of all the services and skills I am able to offer to my clients. I may have overlooked a gap in their business that I can fill.
- Purposely create a list of the reasons I am in business and have chosen to follow that path and where I want to be at the end of the year.
- Revisit my definition of “personal success.” Does it necessarily translate into a financially prosperous year or is business success just a small part of it. How about broadening my range of interests outside my business, such as volunteering in a sector that is new to me?
- Reconnect on a personal basis with my clients with the intention of sharing my enthusiasm for a new year of business opportunity. I will ask those who I know well what they wish to achieve this year on a personal and business level.
- Review my business plan to ensure it is in sync with my definition of personal success. Is this going to be a breakout year for me or am I planning on building on what I have achieved thus far? A recent survey showed that 82% of entrepreneurs are working more than 40 hours per week, and many are putting in those hours in small doses by failing to delegate to others, whether they are employees or suppliers. (Source: Jason Zickerman in Forbes Magazine January 20, 2014.)
- Become a better communicator. Make emails shorter and thoughts more succinct and crisp. Remember that an audience of one or one hundred can only absorb so much information, regardless of how useful you think it might be.
- Be a better listener. As a business coach, I need to be better at practicing what I preach. When I listen actively, I learn more and am seen as not trying too hard to prove myself.
- Keep working out. My experience and a ton of scientific research shows we think more clearly, are happier and have more energy when we exercise frequently.
- Refer more clients and prospects. One of the most endearing things a professional can do for a prospect is to refer them to a trusted colleague or client. I will do more of this when cultivating a relationship with a prospect whom I wish to become a client.
- When I began my business, I chose as my guiding statement: “To approach any assignment for any client as if it were the first.” I have stuck with that and will continue to do so.
What resolutions do you have for your business in 2015?
This article was originally posted on LinkedIn.